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- Restaurants
- Bars
- Wineries
- Lodging
- Overrated
- Activities
When most people talk about Napa restaurants, you can be sure they’re referring to the high-end places, with expensive fusion food or California cuisine. There is some great expensive food in Napa, like that found at La Toque (see below), but there are also some tasty inexpensive meals. And many of the high-end places are just not worth the money. Our suggestion: Save your serious cash for dinner, and buy picnic supplies or tacos for lunch.
CHEAP EATS
Buster’s Southern Barbeque
1207 Foothill Boulevard, Calistoga
707-942-5605
The pork loin, pork ribs, tri-tip, and links aren’t organic or all-natural at this barbecue joint reminiscent of Napa’s blue-collar past. But portions are fresh, huge, and spicy. Try the sweet potato pie, made from a family recipe of founder Buster Davis, and the homemade lemonade.
La Luna Market and Taqueria
1153 Rutherford Road, Rutherford
707-963-3211
No frills, no-nonsense Mexican food in Rutherford just across from La Toque (see below). The carne asada super burrito is a must-snarf. While it might not blow your culinary socks off, it’s muy, muy auténtico, and La Luna is where all the Mexican vineyard workers eat. Lunch with a drink will run you no more than $10.
Taylor’s Automatic Refresher
933 Main Street, St. Helena
707-963-3486
Taylor’s Refresher has everything you’d want in a nouveau American diner: drippy, organic burgers wrapped in plain white paper. Fish and chips made with mahi mahi, as opposed to the bland white fish used by any other roadside diner. A full selection of great and greasy snacks like onion rings and chili cheese fries, with fine local wines and microbrews to wash it down. But save room for the thick, creamy milk shakes: almost $6 with tax, and worth every penny. The seating is at picnic tables on the grassy back patio—just walk up to the window, and they yell your name and order soon after.
Taylor’s Automatic Refresher
SPLURGE
Ad Hoc
6476 Washington Street, Yountville
707-944-2487
Thomas Keller’s third Napa restaurant, following the French Laundry and Bouchon, is by far his most relaxed and welcoming. A prix fixe menu (four courses, $45) changes nightly. Comfort food done well is what you’ll find here, like tri-tip, corn on the cob, and beef stroganoff. Every other Monday is the hugely popular fried chicken night. The beer and wine bar (no hard alcohol) has a large Napa selection as well as some nice international choices. All dishes are served family-style on earthenware platters and in iron pots. Put the skillet of three-cheese macaroni by me please!
Angèle
540 Main Street, Napa
707-252-8115
An old boat dock along the Napa River has been reincarnated as a delightful eatery in the heart of downtown Napa. Try one of the delicious house cocktails at the bar (some of the best in the valley). When the weather is nice, request a table outside; if it gets chilly the restaurant provides lovely little cashmere wraps for the ladies. The food marries familiar Mediterranean flavors to create interesting dishes such as duck breast with farro and marcona almond relish, or steamed clams with Espelette peppers. Angèle also offers delicious wines by the carafe, and sampling a few probably won’t break your budget.
Cook
1310 Main Street, St. Helena
707-963-7088
This Northern Italian spot specializes in delicious house-made pastas and hearty comforting dishes like roast chicken with corona beans and black kale, and braised short ribs with scallion whipped potatoes. Settle into its casual yet classy vibe, and you’ll understand why it’s the locals’ choice for an impromptu night out.
Go Fish
Go Fish
641 Main Street, St. Helena
707-963-0700
All-star chef Cindy Pawlcyn (who already owns two well-respected Napa institutions: Mustards Grill and Cindy’s Backstreet Kitchen) opened this top-notch seafood spot with local sushi chef Ken Tominaga. Try not to let the semiannoying nautical décor bother you. Although everything is good (especially the vegetable tempura), the sushi is probably the best thing to order. Wash down the salt-crusted prawns with Grüner Veltliner. Open for dinner only; reservations required.
La Toque Restaurant
1140 Rutherford Road, Rutherford
707-963-9770
Known as “French Laundry without the attitude,” La Toque offers a delicious prix fixe five-course menu that includes an amuse-bouche, a cheese course, and mignardises (petits fours). During truffle season there are special truffle tasting menus. Bottom line is, you can enjoy delicious high-end food here (like seared fois gras, duck breast with cherries, and freshly foraged chanterelle mushrooms) and service that consistently gets raves, without having to wait six months for a reservation.
Redd
6480 Washington Street, Yountville
707-944-2222
Everything is spot-on for lunch or dinner at the hands of Richard Reddington, former chef of Napa’s beloved Auberge du Soleil (a luxury resort with a popular restaurant by the same name). Redd is casually elegant: Both lunchtime tourists in shorts and the folk in evening cocktail attire are welcome. The yellowfin tuna and hamachi tartare delivers a surprise crunch from tart green apples and mustard seeds. Or try the refreshing chilled calamari salad with shaved jicama, carrots, and lime-basil vinaigrette. The signature dish, caramelized diver scallops in a caramelized-cauliflower purée, melts perfectly in the mouth. Walk-ins accepted; reservations advised.
LATE NIGHT
Zuzu
829 Main Street, Napa
707-224-8555
Zuzu is a tiny space packed with an attractive crowd, heavy on locals. There are few true late-night places to get grub in the Napa Valley. But at Zuzu you can get Spanish-Portuguese meets Mexican tapas—dishes like chilaquiles, Spanish tortilla (a sort of eggy potato casserole), and roasted poblano chiles stuffed with Manchego cheese—until 10 p.m. No reservations accepted, which adds to the “Lemme in! Lemme in! This place is H-O-T!” vibe. Prices are in the $15 to $25 range per plate.
- Restaurants
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- Lodging
- Overrated
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Redd was an extremely bad dining experience. While on vacation, my new fiance and I stayed at the Vintage Inn in Yountville. We had a 5:45 pm reservation on 8/19 at Redd and requested an outside table. Debbie, the hostess told us they were all reserved so we ended up eating our dinner looking out at the outdoor space which remained at least 50% empty for the rest of the night. The hostess and...+READ
Redd was an extremely bad dining experience. While on vacation, my new fiance and I stayed at the Vintage Inn in Yountville. We had a 5:45 pm reservation on 8/19 at Redd and requested an outside table. Debbie, the hostess told us they were all reserved so we ended up eating our dinner looking out at the outdoor space which remained at least 50% empty for the rest of the night. The hostess and manager were completely unapologetic and very snotty about it. Besides that, the dining room where we ate was full of flies the entire time and the chicken dish was so tough that my fiance had to send it back. We live in NYC and I thought I had seen the worst, but the staff at Redd was the most pretentious I have ever experienced. I strongly recommend against this restaurant. It was not worth the time or money with several other fantastic restaurants within a few minutes walk.-COLLAPSE
konditor awesome review, felt it was very honest and non chalant
I've lived in Napa Valley for 20+ years. My daughter sent me this article and I got a kick out of reading it. I agreed with a LOT...others not so much. The Wine Train is a tradition. I rode & had the lunch once~a wonderful meal and enjoyed every minute. When my girls were little they had the Santa train rides...very cute. Woodhouse Chocolates in St Helena will convert anyone who thinks chocolate...+READ
I've lived in Napa Valley for 20+ years. My daughter sent me this article and I got a kick out of reading it. I agreed with a LOT...others not so much. The Wine Train is a tradition. I rode & had the lunch once~a wonderful meal and enjoyed every minute. When my girls were little they had the Santa train rides...very cute. Woodhouse Chocolates in St Helena will convert anyone who thinks chocolate is "OK"~ (me)...it's a jewelry shop for chocolates! Back Room Wines in Napa~ tell Dan what you're having for dinner and you can walk out with a wonderful bottle for under $20, plus fun tastings regularly. And I laughed out loud at the part about Panchas...If you give a sh** about a fancy place (your lungs) or good food, they don't want you in there. If you're dying for a cold PBR in a plastic cup...ahhhhhhhhh!-COLLAPSE
As a 2 year resident of the valley I must say I agree with Count Mourvedre. I too went there for the CIA program but I ended up moving there and was incredibly bored after a few months. It is as he says "expensive farmland and outside of eating and drinking, there's not much to do". It's a wonderful place to visit but not to live.
There are some affordable lodging options. Try the Railway Inn...+READ
As a 2 year resident of the valley I must say I agree with Count Mourvedre. I too went there for the CIA program but I ended up moving there and was incredibly bored after a few months. It is as he says "expensive farmland and outside of eating and drinking, there's not much to do". It's a wonderful place to visit but not to live.
There are some affordable lodging options. Try the Railway Inn in Yountville right across the street from Bouchon Bistro and walking distance to Redd and The French Laundry.
For a more casual dining experience try sitting at the bar at Redd or Bouchon. The food is Michelin star quality but without the pretentious waiters.
If you like coldcuts on standard bread Guigni's is your place -- otherwise avoid.-COLLAPSE
Head to Guigni's on Main St. in St. Helena for cheap eats. They make the best sandwiches in town (complete with a dose of Guigni Juice, their house vinaigrette).
If the bar at Martini House is three deep, try Press down the street. The proprietor is Leslie Rudd who also has a hand in 209 gin. Excellent cocktails and a cozy outdoor fireplace.
Thank you for your hard work and insight. Will be coming in 2008 to celebrate with a bestfriend her 40th birthday. Will try (in vain) to get a res at the FL but will no doubt enjoy your other recommendations. Can't wait!
Several years ago, I spent 45 days over the course of a year pursuing a certification in wine at the CIA in St. Helena. All of those were spent at a small, quaint '50's style motel called the El Bonita. It's right on Highway 29 just south of town and considering the prices in the Napa Valley, a real bargain.
A 30 year veteran of the restaurant wars, I eschewed restaurants for the most part and...+READ
Several years ago, I spent 45 days over the course of a year pursuing a certification in wine at the CIA in St. Helena. All of those were spent at a small, quaint '50's style motel called the El Bonita. It's right on Highway 29 just south of town and considering the prices in the Napa Valley, a real bargain.
A 30 year veteran of the restaurant wars, I eschewed restaurants for the most part and did take-out instead. Tre Vigne Pizzeria in "downtown" St. Helena has great, imaginative, reasonably priced food and excellent service, The menu changes with the seasons and many were the nights I would get a risotto, pizza and/or a salad and return to my room to enjoy it. Another great place I'm sure many have heard about is Taylor's Refresher. It looks like a old drive-in (and is), but they serve fantastic sandwiches, salads, fries, and shakes that I would put up against those served anywhere and for a lot less money.
When I did do the restaurant thing, I would go to the CIA's Wine Spectator restaurant on their Greystone campus. Exquisite food, exemplary service in a classic Napa Valley setting.
Having said that, Napa is a great place to visit, but not for more than a few days. Once you've done a few winery tours they all start to look alike (wine is made pretty much the same way) except for the architecture. Some of them ARE pretty amazing, but think about all that money that's spent on trying to lure you to their tasting rooms. They need to recoup it somehow, so what do you think they do? Jack up the price of their product, of course. Even when the distributors take their cut, you'll pay a lot more for wine AT the winery than you will when you get back home in most cases (pun intended). That fact always haunts me when I see the prices of the Napa Cabs in the wine store.
All in all, I enjoyed my Napa experience, but remember it's just expensive farmland and outside of eating and drinking, there's not much to do. No nightlife to speak of and don't EVEN risk driving if you've been drinking. Smart visitors and professionals spit when tasting. If you get a DUI, it's going to cost you big time.
The French Laundry. It's not at all worth it. Like French Champagne. Good, but I'd rather have a case of great Spanish cava than one bottle of DP.
William F. (Rick) Burbank
aka Count Mourvedre
President
CountonWine.com
Advanced Certified Wine Professional, Culinary Institute of America
Certified Specialist of Wine, Society of Wine Educators
Degreed in Culinary Arts, CIA
Email CountM@CountonWine.com
Phone 913.909.7218
www.CountonWine.com
Making ordinary experiences.....extraordinary
Count on it!-COLLAPSE
As a three year resident of Bordeaux, this article makes the Califonia native in me want to come home just to go to Napa! Love the pic of Doctor Wilkenson's as it was my first experience with Napa when my mother brought me there for my 16th b-day. Their mud can't be beat by the way. Even if I can eat fois gras everyday, I miss burritos! Agreed, see Ratatouille, its a riot and a decent...+READ
As a three year resident of Bordeaux, this article makes the Califonia native in me want to come home just to go to Napa! Love the pic of Doctor Wilkenson's as it was my first experience with Napa when my mother brought me there for my 16th b-day. Their mud can't be beat by the way. Even if I can eat fois gras everyday, I miss burritos! Agreed, see Ratatouille, its a riot and a decent representation of the French kitchen.-COLLAPSE
I love zazu!! It is absolutely worth trying earlier in the evening too- everything is great and the chefs/owners are the nicest people.
On FL, I must strongly agree with emmo42: Not overrated in the slightest. Best meal of my life. We actually moped around for weeks afterward at the idea that we would have to eat in ordinary great restaurants in SF. But it wasn't just a meal: it is food theater. I don't go to ballet and opera, but this is my idea of high art. Brilliant conceptions, amazing executions, portions and pacings a...+READ
On FL, I must strongly agree with emmo42: Not overrated in the slightest. Best meal of my life. We actually moped around for weeks afterward at the idea that we would have to eat in ordinary great restaurants in SF. But it wasn't just a meal: it is food theater. I don't go to ballet and opera, but this is my idea of high art. Brilliant conceptions, amazing executions, portions and pacings a point, worth every penny. Two diners can sample 16-20 incredible interpretive dishes, of obvious inside amusement to the chef: 3/4 of the menu items are in quotes, as if smirking at Escoffier. The surprising thing perhaps is the utter professionalism of a place that doesn't have to have pretensions. Waiters and sommeliers who make you feel utterly comfortable at what they know is your most rare, self-conscious, initimidating, and frighteningly pricey experience. (Oh, and if you haven't seen Ratatouille, DO! The climax is pure Keller, and pure fun.)-COLLAPSE
Try Folio Winemakers' Studio, a new small winery where mutlitple families make their own wines. Carneros - off the beaten path.
Can't wait to go back to Napa to try some of these out. The Silverado Brewing Company sounds fun.
Your article is absolutely fantastic.
My husband and I took it on our trip to the Napa Valley, and had a perfect time visiting as many of the wineries, restaurants, and shops on your list as we could.
The Quixote was our favorite. It is a MUST see. We loved the Sunshine Market where we had fun shopping for the best ever picnic fare. Great article!
The Napa Valley draws streach limos,snooty people,wine snobs and coek dorks for the most part.never go on a week end as you will spend most of your time sitting in traffic.if you want a wonderful Wine experience then go to the amador county wine country.never crowded and very nice people at the many beautiful wineries.
I have to agree with ijhhot. My meal at the French Laundry was the most amazing food experience of my life. Is it expensive? Yes. Is the reservation hard to get? Yes. But the food is spectacular and the experience is unparalleled.
You may want to check back at what "overrated" means before putting The French Laundry in that category... My friends and I don't make a lot of money, but after...+READ
I have to agree with ijhhot. My meal at the French Laundry was the most amazing food experience of my life. Is it expensive? Yes. Is the reservation hard to get? Yes. But the food is spectacular and the experience is unparalleled.
You may want to check back at what "overrated" means before putting The French Laundry in that category... My friends and I don't make a lot of money, but after spending $300/person at the French Laundry we still felt like it was worth every penny.-COLLAPSE
I'm curious: Did you ever get inside Castello di Amoroso, or were you just annoyed that they wouldn't let you in without a reservation? I've heard from industry insiders (including one who represents the Antinori family and has seen their castle in Tuscany) that it's actually quite incredible inside, as over-the-top as the concept is. Anyone been there who wants to comment?
posted by:...+READ
I'm curious: Did you ever get inside Castello di Amoroso, or were you just annoyed that they wouldn't let you in without a reservation? I've heard from industry insiders (including one who represents the Antinori family and has seen their castle in Tuscany) that it's actually quite incredible inside, as over-the-top as the concept is. Anyone been there who wants to comment?
posted by: www.winebroad.typepad.com-COLLAPSE
Whats auténtico about a burrito? Not that the burritos at La Luna are anything but fantástico.. but burritos are a California invention (some even say an SF one). Are you saying burritos in Napa are as authentic as the ones in the Mission?
very nice artcal; but why put down places like the French laundry that have set a really good benchmark for all of who like and want to have good food.